Affinity Water is rolling out its first-ever Smart Meter system, helping customers to monitor and make more sustainable choices in water consumption.
The initiative started with a trial in parts of the Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford areas, Hertfordshire. Approximately 20,000 Smart meters will be installed in household properties and 20 in non-household properties as part of the initial trial phase, with larger-scale installations to follow, marking a significant step towards enhanced water conservation and management.
By fitting Smart meters, Affinity aims to accelerate water usage reductions and enhance leak detection, leading to faster repairs and fewer supply interruptions.
The initiative is part of their broader effort to address water stress in the region and ensure a reliable water supply for the future.
The trial phase began in February, with selected customers contacted directly to explain the fitting process and benefits. Following a successful trial and approval from OFWAT, Affinity Water plans to expand the installation of Smart meters across other areas, aiming to fit an additional 380,000 Smart meters in the next five years.
Geordie Wilson, Head of Smart Metering at Affinity Water, said: “The launch of our Smart metering programme marks an exciting step forward in how we manage and conserve water across our region.
“By providing customers with, near real-time data on their water usage, we’re empowering them to make informed decisions that save both water and money. At the same time, this technology allows us to detect and fix leaks faster, reducing water loss and minimising disruptions. Smart metering is a key part of our commitment to addressing water stress in the Southeast and ensuring a reliable supply for future generations.”
By leveraging Smart metering technology, Affinity Water can remotely monitor water usage and detect leaks. This initiative is a key component of Affinity Water’s Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), aimed at achieving ambitious regulatory targets, including reducing per capita consumption and halving leakage by 2050.
Affinity Water serves a region with one of the highest per capita consumption (PCC) rates in the UK, averaging 157 litres per person per day, compared to the UK average of 145 litres. The Smart metering initiative is a crucial step towards reducing these consumption levels and promoting sustainable water use.
Affinity has also launched a guidebook offering practical water-saving tips for households.
James Curtis, Head of Leakage at Affinity Water, says: “We aim to share inspiring ideas through simple yet effective designs that our customers and the UK can readily implement to preserve water. From fixing leaks to protecting the nation’s homes, these efforts will help us conserve this vital resource.
“The guidebook provides innovative and practical solutions to help households save water and protect the environment. By embracing these measures, we can collectively make a meaningful difference in safeguarding our water resources for future generations. At Affinity Water, we are dedicated to creating water-efficient and sustainable homes.”
Affinity Water worked alongside architect Michael Pawlyn, who provided advice on water-smart designs for the home.
And to help consumers identify and repair hidden leaks, the company is promoting the ‘Look and Listen’ test.
Affinity is also offering free visits from trained professionals to help customers identify leaks and repair them.
